Third AEHF bird begins transmitting

Mar. 27, 2014 - 03:09PM
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An Advanced Extremely High Frequency System satellite. (Air Force)

The third Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite has begun transmitting secure signals, according to Lockheed Martin.

AEHF-3 was launched last September, began transmitting in January and now is using its jam-resistant protected transmissions capability. “First transmissions on AEHF-3 were exactly what we expected, and orbit-raising was a textbook example of how to deliver a satellite to geostationary orbit,” said Mark Calassa, vice president of protected communication systems at Lockheed Martin. “The satellite’s journey after launch went precisely as planned. We took advantage of the industry’s highest thrust electric propulsion, which was used during 95 percent of the transfer orbit period.”

The two earlier AEHF satellites are in limited user testing. Canada and the Netherlands connected to the spacecraft last year, and the UK is expected to do the same this year.